In a significant legal setback for the Biden administration, a U.S. federal judge has ruled against the “Keeping Families Together” immigration policy, which aimed to allow certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to secure legal residency without leaving the country. The ruling, issued Thursday by Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas, declares the policy unlawful, impacting an estimated 500,000 people who hoped to benefit from the program.
Judge Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that federal agencies “lack statutory authority” to implement the policy. His ruling comes shortly after Trump’s re-election victory, during which he pledged to reinforce immigration restrictions and increase deportations.
The “Keeping Families Together” initiative was announced by President Biden in June as part of his campaign to retain the White House. The policy aimed to help undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens regularize their status without needing to return to their home countries. Specifically, it targeted individuals who have been in the United States for over a decade and were married to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024. The policy also included provisions for around 50,000 undocumented stepchildren.
The court decision now leaves many families in a state of uncertainty, especially for those who have established lives in the U.S. over many years. Immigration advocates have expressed disappointment, stating that the ruling risks separating families and undermining the rights of U.S. citizens with undocumented spouses and children.
The Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling, with officials citing the policy’s role in family unity and long-term social stability. However, the decision underscores the shifting political landscape on immigration, as Trump’s re-election signals a potential return to stricter enforcement measures.